List of English-Speaking Doctors and Pediatricians in Fukuoka

There is a very specific type of panic that hits expat parents around 2:00 AM.

It usually starts with a cough from the bunk bed, followed by the undeniable heat of a fever radiating off a small forehead.

Back in Michigan, I knew the drill: call our pediatrician, or hit the 24-hour urgent care down the street where the receptionist knew my name.

But when we first moved to Fukuoka, that 2:00 AM fever felt different. It felt like a test.

Do I know where to go? Can I explain “wheezing” in Japanese? Will they accept our insurance?

If you are reading this, you might be in that panic right now—or you are smart enough to be planning ahead. Either way, take a deep breath.

Fukuoka has excellent medical care, and yes, there are English-speaking doctors and pediatricians here who can treat your family.

Below is our family’s “little black book” of English-speaking clinics and pediatricians in Fukuoka City.

It also covers the reality of navigating the Japanese medical system with kids—from our cautious eldest daughter (who treats every stethoscope like a threat) to our youngest (who treats every waiting room like a jungle gym).

💡 Bookmark this page now. When your kid spikes a fever at 2 AM, you won’t have time to Google. Save it to your phone home screen for one-tap access to phone numbers and clinic addresses.

Note: For a broader look at settling into life here, check out our pillar guide on Living in Fukuoka with Kids: The Complete Expat Guide to Moving & Settling In (2026).

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The “Big Three” English-Friendly Clinics for Families

When we need a doctor who can explain things clearly in English—without me miming “stomach pain” like a bad game of charades—these are the places we go.

Big Three at a Glance (2026)

Clinic	Area	Weekends	Pediatrics	English Level
Fukuoka Sanno Hospital	Momochihama	Sat AM only	✓ Full pediatrics	Most doctors fluent
International Clinic Tojinmachi	Tojinmachi / Jigyo	Closed Sun	Ages 1+ (general)	Native-level (Dr. Schlemper)
Hakata Hinoki Clinic	Hakata Station	✓ Sat & Sun open	✓ Full pediatrics	Foreigner-friendly policy

All three accept Japanese National Health Insurance (国民健康保険). Call ahead to confirm same-day availability—walk-in policy varies by day and season.

Can’t get through in English? Don’t panic at the phone menu—call the Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center (092-286-9595, 24/7) and ask them to make a three-way call to the clinic for you. This single number is the fastest way to book or ask a question at any clinic on this list.

1. Fukuoka Sanno Hospital (Momochihama)

• Best for: Comprehensive care, vaccinations, and when you’re worried and want “the works.”
• Location: Momochihama (near Fukuoka Tower)
• Access & hours: A short taxi or bus ride from Nishijin or Tojinmachi subway stations. General outpatient hours run mornings to early evening on weekdays, with Saturday mornings only—call ahead to confirm same-day pediatric slots.

This is the heavyweight.

Sanno is a large, modern hospital that feels more like a hotel than a clinic. It’s clean, efficient, and they explicitly state that “most doctors speak English.”

We took our eldest here when she had a persistent cough that wouldn’t quit.

She was terrified (as usual), but the staff were incredibly patient. The pediatrician didn’t just speak functional English—he was fluent enough to joke with her, which is the only way to get her to lower her guard.

• The Vibe: Calm, polished, and very spacious.
• For Parents: There is a cafe and plenty of seating, a lifesaver when you are waiting.
• Access: If you are taking a cab, read our guide on Taxis in Fukuoka with Children to make sure the driver knows exactly where to drop you.

2. International Clinic Tojinmachi (Tojinmachi / Jigyo)

• Best for: General illness, internal medicine, and expats who miss the Western style of consultation.
• Location: Tojinmachi (near Ohori Park)
• Access & hours: Roughly a 5-minute walk from Tojinmachi Subway Station (Kuko/Airport Line). Open weekday mornings and afternoons, closed Sundays—arrive early, as Dr. Schlemper’s clinic fills up fast.

Dr. Schlemper is somewhat of a legend in the Fukuoka expat community.

He is Dutch, speaks perfect English (and Japanese), and runs a clinic that feels very familiar to anyone from Europe or North America.

Important note: This is primarily an Internal Medicine clinic.

While they see older children (generally over 1 year old), it isn’t a dedicated “pediatric” clinic with cartoons on the wall. We go here when we (the parents) are sick, or for general check-ups for the kids.

• The Vibe: Professional and direct. You get real answers here.
• Access: Easy walking distance from Tojinmachi Subway station. If you are using public transport, check our tips on Fukuoka Public Transportation with Kids.

3. Hakata Hinoki Clinic (Hakata Station)

• Best for: Weekends (open Saturdays and Sundays!), travel vaccinations, and convenience.
• Location: Hakata Station Area
• Access & hours: A few minutes’ walk from Hakata Station. Open on Saturdays and Sundays when most clinics close—expect a wait on weekends, so go at opening if you can.

Sickness has a cruel habit of striking on Friday evenings or Sunday mornings.

Most Japanese clinics are closed on Sundays and Thursday afternoons. Hakata Hinoki Clinic is our savior because they are open on weekends.

They have a “foreigner-friendly” policy and cover Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics.

It’s located right near Hakata Station, making it incredibly accessible if you are coming from outside the city center.

• The Reality Check: Because it’s open on weekends, it can get busy. My youngest daughter usually tries to dismantle the magazine rack while we wait.
• Tip: Since you are at Hakata Station, you can utilize the nursing rooms nearby if you have a baby. See our guide to Stress-Free Diaper Changing & Nursing Rooms in Fukuoka for the best spots in the station.

Visiting Fukuoka? Stay Near These Clinics

If you’re a resident, skip ahead—this part is for travelers.

Traveling with young kids and want a hotel close to medical care for peace of mind? Basing yourself near Hakata Station or Momochi puts you within a short taxi ride of all three of the clinics above.

Browse family-friendly hotels in central Fukuoka on Agoda—the ones near Hakata Hinoki or Sanno mean a doctor is never more than a few minutes away if a fever strikes mid-trip.

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For the Parents: Mental Health & Internal Medicine

Moving to a new country is stressful.

I remember the first six months in Fukuoka—I loved it, but the logistics of setting up a house and schools were overwhelming. If you need support, don’t ignore it.

Yuai Clinic (Daimyo / Tenjin)

Located in the heart of Daimyo (near the Ritz-Carlton), Yuai Clinic offers Internal Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine.

They have an English page and provide support for stress, insomnia, and general physical health. It’s very central, so you can combine a visit with a run to the shops in Tenjin.

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Emergency & After-Hours Care

If it is the middle of the night or a major holiday, regular clinics will be closed. Here is what you do.

Fukuoka City Emergency Medical Center (Momochihama)

• Japanese Name: Fukuoka-shi Kyukan Shinryo Center (福岡市急患診療センター)
• Location: Next to the Fukuoka City Museum and Fukuoka Tower

This is the main hub for night and holiday emergencies. It handles Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and more.

• Warning: It is purely for emergencies. They will give you enough medicine to last until regular clinics open.
• Language: It is hit-or-miss with English here. Bring your phone with Google Translate ready.

The “Magic Number”: #8000

If your child is sick at night and you aren’t sure whether you need to go to the ER or if it can wait until morning, dial #8000.

This connects you to a pediatric nurse or doctor (available 7 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, and all day on weekends).

• Note: Service is usually in Japanese. If you don’t speak Japanese, use the Interpretation service below in parallel.

Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center

This is a resource very few people know about, but it is gold.

• Phone: 092-286-9595
• Hours: 24 / 7 telephone interpretation
• Languages: English plus many others (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.)

You call this number, and they will interpret three-way between you and the Japanese doctor or pharmacist.

We have used this twice, and it de-escalated a very stressful situation instantly. Save this number in your phone before you need it.

Just visiting and worried about staying connected in an emergency? A dead phone or no data means no #8000, no interpreter, and no Google Translate—grab a pocket Wi-Fi or travel SIM for Fukuoka so these lifelines work the moment you land.

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Practical Tips for Visiting a Doctor in Fukuoka

1. The “Medicine Notebook” (O-Kusuri Techo)

In Japan, you receive a small notebook called an O-Kusuri Techo.

Every time you get a prescription, the pharmacist puts a sticker in it. Bring this to every appointment.

It helps the doctor see what your child has taken recently, preventing drug interactions.

We keep ours in the same pouch as our insurance cards and our Sugoca and Nimoca IC cards, so we never forget it.

2. Shoes Off

Almost all clinics require you to take off your shoes at the entrance and wear provided slippers.

• Parent Hack: My youngest hates the slippers (they are too big and she trips), so we always bring a pair of thick socks for her to wear inside.

3. The “Honyaku” Reality

Even at an “English-speaking” clinic, the receptionist might not speak English.

Don’t be shy about using a translation app (like DeepL or Google Translate). Type out your child’s symptoms before you leave the house:

• Fever (38.5°C)
• Coughing at night
• Rash on stomach

Showing this screen to the receptionist saves everyone time and confusion.

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A Note on “Bedside Manner”

Back in Michigan, our pediatrician was high-energy and chatty.

In Japan, doctors can sometimes seem more reserved or quiet. It doesn’t mean they aren’t listening or don’t care—it’s just a different cultural style of professionalism.

Our eldest daughter actually prefers the quieter Japanese style; she finds it less overwhelming.

Our youngest? Well, she usually needs a doctor who can move fast before she tries to escape the exam room.

Finding a doctor is like finding a good pair of jeans—you might have to try a couple before you find the perfect fit for your family.

Start with the ones on this list, and you’ll be in safe hands.

If you are looking for more ways to make life easier with little ones in the city, check out our guide on Fukuoka with Toddlers & Babies: Stroller-Friendly Spots & Nursing Guide. Stay healthy!